Sport

President of the United States, Donald Trump, has hinted that the USA will be watching Nigeria and other countries “very closely” as he called for support around the world to back a joint bid from the United. States, Canada and Mexico to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Trump, earlier last week seemed to have threatened Morocco and countries that will not support the joint bid with tweet on his official Twitter handle. He appeared to have reaffirmed that stance as he met with Nigeria president Muhammadu Buhari at the White House on Monday.

Morocco have made a bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the bid has been backed by several countries from the Gulf region, in Africa and some parts of Europe and this has threatened the chances of a joint bid from the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Sixteen football clubs in Enugu State will be locking horns in the 2018 edition of state’s Federation Cup.

Federation Cup competitions at the states’ are a prelude to the National Federation Cup, which comprises of 62 teams.

Francis Ugwu, Secretary of Enugu State Football Association, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Enugu that the state’s Federation Cup matches would be a 21-day fiesta.

Carlo Ancelotti has turned down the offer to take over as Italy coach, according to press reports on Sunday. Italy have been without a permanent coach since Gian Piero Ventura was sacked after the four-time champions failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 60 years after losing to Sweden in a two-legged playoff in November.

Real Madrid’s in-form Spanish maestro, Isco has been deemed unfit to face unfit to face Bayern Munich in Real Madrid's Champions League semi-final second leg, despite his admirable hope of playing through the pain barrier, MARCA reports. A painkilling injection had been contemplated by the midfielder as he sought to overcome a shoulder sprain picked up in last week's trip to Bavaria, however Monday's training session produced negative results on his recovery.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has said his side will look to attack Bayern Munich quickly in Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg as they seek to remain on course for an unprecedented third consecutive European Cup. Real hold a 2-1 lead after the first leg in Germany last week, however the Frenchman insists the job is nowhere near complete.

President Donald Trump’s threat to nations against a U.S. bid to co-host the 2026 World Cup has prompted FIFA, soccer’s governing body to refer to guidelines that warn against political influence overbids.

Morocco is the only rival to a joint bid to stage the event from the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the FIFA Congress due to choosing the hosts in Moscow on June 13.

“The U.S. has put together a STRONG bid w/ Canada & Mexico for the 2026 World Cup,” Trump tweeted.

“It would be a shame if countries that we always support were to lobby against the U.S. bid. Why should we be supporting these countries when they don’t support us (including at the United Nations)?”